"I can't believe you lied about everything you put on this website!!!!!!!!!!!" (11/4/14)

Rob Sivulka says...

"Just one example of a lie would suffice to get a conversation going." (11/4/14)

David says...

"That was a very funny video! Some true statements but they are used out of context. Many things in my religion are strange to one who doesn't believe the same way I do. I understand where you are coming from because all I knew about "Mormons" was a bunch of I'm not even sure what to call them. But they were far from the truth. Here is an example of a improperly stated fact about the general Christian religion. Most Christians worship the devise used to torture and murder Christ. Obviously there is truth in this statement but it doesn't represent anywhere near the truth of any Christian's viewpoint. I grew up Christian and went to church most every Sunday. I went to VBS in the summer and everything. I learned many great lessons about the life of Christ and those that came before him. After leaving my childhood home I have been in many different non denominational Christian churches. I have no bones to pick with any of them even the ones I've felt uncomfortable with. For the most part they all taught good and true principles. But I always had a problem how the exact same scripture was taught so differently. If all the pastors from the same church in the same city cannot agree and teach the same doctrine the same way then how can they all be of Christ's church? How about that same doctrine across many different religions. What that tells me is that the doctrine of Christ is not being taught but the doctrine of Joe and Jim and Mary. After 23 years of confusion going from Christian Church to Christian Church I finally quit. I became agnostic. If all the different churches I went to even within their own ranks could not preach the same interpretationinterpretation of the same book of Scriptures then I figured they were all just doing the best they knew how. And if that was the case I could do the same for myself.
At some point after that loss of desire for an organized religion I had a friend ask me about the church he went to. I of course said no to any information about his church. But one day he took me to a book store just in front of a Temple. Unfortunately the store was closed but he then asked my to go the the visitor's center. For some reason I agreed and I felt the spirit like I had never felt it before in my life. And as I learned more I continued to feel the same joy and happiness I had felt that first time. I joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and haven't looked back. I was blessed enough to meet one of your associates at general conference on the corner. I truly believe that he feels that he is doing good. And for that and all those who work on this website I thank you for your good example of trying to spread the good word of God to all. I don't believe I remember Jesus Christ being hateful in all of his messages. I believe he tried to make a positive impact in everyone's life. I implore you all to look inward and analyze if you are trying to forgive or just cast stones. WWJD is a great bumper sticker but is much harder to implement in one's life in comparison to applying a bumper sticker. Jesus love's us and forgives us all. That's the true message of the gospel." (4/5/15)

Rob Sivulka says...

"David--I'm still interested in one example of an inaccuracy in this video minus the missing mark on the temple garments. Further, the LDS Church isn't immune from break-offs either. There are well over 100 of them. The Christian Church has essential doctrines and non-essential doctrines. The former are found in their early creeds that all Catholics, Protestants, and Orthodox versions hold to and which Mormonism damns. " (4/7/15)

Mason Samuels says...

"As the cartoon’s creator I feel compelled to rebut your response. Let’s go point for point. *FIRST* I have to wonder what you even mean by "used out of context?" What context was missing that would recolor the information presented in a better light? Was the portrayal correct or not? Crying "out of context!" is just a very convenient way of dismissing what the clip exposed about LDS theology. Please back up your statement and provide even one example of where missing "context" represents a distortion of truth. *NEXT* you claimed there is truth in the statement that Christians worship the cross. Can you back that up? Christians who understand the Bible have a proper understanding of the part Jesus' death (and the cross plays). 1 Cor 1:18 tells us "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God." . You will never find a Christian who "worships the cross." But Christians have a correct understanding of why God even took upon flesh in the first place – it WAS so He could die (and rise again). For us. To save us. This is the power of God and the good news of the gospel. Your statement - when put into context - is quite unfounded. Any Christian would take the same offense at your statement as you likely would if I accused you of worshiping Joseph Smith. *NEXT*, you stated you have no beefs with any sect of Christianity, that they “all taught good and true principles.” David, either it’s a lie or it’s not. The same way either Joseph lied or he didn’t. At least Smith had the guts to announce that god told him that all the creeds of Christianity were an abomination and all its professors corrupt. Likewise, it is my stance that all of Mormonism is an abomination. Either it is a lie, or it is not. It is either a false gospel, or it is not. You can’t pick and choose bits of Mormonism or Christianity and call it “good” outside of the greater context. This is a black or white issue – there is no grey – and the Bible has a frightening warning about this (see Gal 1:6-9 and 2 Cor 11:1-15). *NEXT* - you said that you had concerns about how within Christianity you observed “the exact same scripture was taught so differently.” First of all, can you provide examples? Furthermore, Rob had it right in the point he made – there are essential doctrines and peripheral ones. I think you’d be surprised at how unified Christianity as a whole actually is when it comes to the essential doctrines – all of which I might add are denied by the Mormon church. *NEXT* you cited feelings, happiness, and spiritual experiences as your foundation for believing in the LDS church. That’s great and I understand where you’re coming from having been there myself, but the Bible warns against this as well. See 1 John 4:1-3. We’ve already been warned that there will be false prophets raised up and evil spirits tempting people to follow after them. How would you think this temptation would come? How do you think it would *feel*? I can’t imagine that this deception would or could “feel” anything different than how LDS describe their own spiritual “feelings.” The Bible tells us we can’t trust our hearts (Jer 17:9) and that there is a way that appears to be right and good, but in the end leads to destruction (Prov 14:12). *NEXT* - you said “I don't believe I remember Jesus Christ being hateful in all of his messages. I believe he tried to make a positive impact in everyone's life.” Why are you so quick to assume that any criticism of the LDS church is an act of hatred? In fact, suppose for a second that you are mistaken, that the LDS religion is false, and the essential doctrines of Christianity Mormonism denies are true. Now doesn’t the efforts of those warning others against Mormonism suddenly stop looking like hatred and more an act of love? Furthermore, please recall how strong the language Jesus used was when addressing the pompous false teachings of the Pharisees – he called them a “brood of vipers” and" (4/9/15)

Mason Samuels says...

"...and “white sepulchers” – they look real good on the outside but have nothing but rot within. As it is with the LDS church. *NEXT* you say Jesus loves us and forgives us all. That's the true message of the gospel." Where do you find that principle in the Bible? Yes He loves all of us - however - the the Bible makes it very clear that not all are forgiven. Jesus himself talks over and over again about a very literal hell, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. He also tells us that those who believe in Him will have everlasting life – HOWEVER, those who will not believe are condemned already (John 3:16-18). You ended your response with a challenge – I would offer the same to you. Examine your religion. Line it up with what the Bible teaches, and as Brigham Young once challenged – see if it stands the test. If you don’t start with Genesis 1:1 – perhaps start with Isaiah 43:10. With regards, -M.S." (4/11/15)